Women become integral part of AFU: over 5,500 Ukrainian women serve on front lines today, – Defense Ministry

Today, over 70,000 Ukrainian women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 5,500 of whom defend the country directly on the front lines.

Deputy Minister of Defense, Brigadier General of Justice Serhii Melnyk reported this on Saturday, March 8, noting that this is 20% more than in 2022.

According to him, women have become an integral part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the state, for its part, is adapting its social protection policy to ensure their rights and equal opportunities.

At the same time, the legislation provides for additional social guarantees, including: separate service premises for accommodation during the deployment of camps, restrictions on physical activity, the possibility of voluntary dismissal in the event of pregnancy, regardless of martial law.

"Women in the military demonstrate resilience and professionalism every day. We must ensure equal opportunities and conditions of service for them. Therefore, the Ministry of Defense continues to actively implement a policy of gender equality in the army, in particular: it provides equal opportunities for career growth, creates special programs, and develops international partnerships – Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, NATO," said Serhii Melnyk.

He also added that one of the priorities of the ministry in this area remains medical support for female servicemen and full access to medical services.

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